Contessa 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Contessa 33 commenced production in 1984, emerging from the Jeremy Rogers Ltd. yard at a time when the company was rebuilding after an economic downturn in the early 1980s. Designed by Rob Humphreys, the specific goal for the Contessa 33 was to create a faster, more performance-oriented successor to the much-loved Contessa 32, capable of comfortably sleeping eight individuals. Humphreys aimed for an uncomplicated rig and an attractive aesthetic. Jeremy Rogers Ltd. itself was celebrated for producing yachts that embodied seamanship, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty, with a focus on innovative designs and exceptional finish, a philosophy that underpinned the Contessa 33's construction. Due to its specialized nature and the economic climate, only around 20 units of the Contessa 33 were ultimately built. The moulds for the Contessa 33 were later sold to a Greek concern, though their ultimate fate remains uncertain.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Contessa 33's design ratios illustrate her intended performance profile. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.86, she is well-suited for light-air performance, suggesting she can get moving efficiently even in gentle breezes. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 244.28 places her in the medium-heavy displacement category for a boat of her length, indicative of a solid, capable cruiser rather than an ultra-light racer. While the specific ballast weight is not consistently reported, a stated ballast ratio of 38% suggests a good level of stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a fair amount of wind.

Anecdotal evidence from owners and reviews consistently describe the Contessa 33 as a "sweet sailer" and a "hugely competitive boat" even in contemporary racing. Owners often praise her upwind ability, noting that she loses little leeway. However, her relatively large keel surface area, while contributing to stability, can make her more susceptible to tidal drift. The design is also known for being a "wet" sail, with many owners finding a sprayhood to be a vital addition for comfort in a seaway. The Contessa 33's racing history, particularly exemplified by the yacht 'Owl,' includes numerous class wins in prestigious regattas, cementing her reputation as a formidable cruiser-racer.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior diagrams are scarce due to the limited production run, the Contessa 33 was designed to sleep eight, indicative of a layout optimized for accommodating a racing crew or a larger family on a cruise. Owners describe the interior as "small by modern standards" but note that "most of the woodwork finished in ash, which works surprisingly well". This suggests a practical and well-finished interior, typical of Jeremy Rogers' commitment to quality craftsmanship. While specific details on galley, head, and cabin configurations are not widely documented, a performance-oriented cruiser of this era would typically feature a functional galley, a enclosed head, and a combination of V-berth forward, saloon berths, and potentially quarter berths aft, balancing comfort with efficient use of space for sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Despite her limited production numbers, the Contessa 33 has garnered a loyal following among her owners. She holds a high reputation for seaworthiness, consistent with the Contessa lineage. Owners frequently praise her strong sailing performance, particularly her competitive edge in racing. One owner enthusiastically declared her "Probably the best all round boat I've ever owned". The collective viewpoint suggests that the Contessa 33, when well-maintained, remains a highly capable and rewarding vessel for both spirited sailing and comfortable cruising, embodying the robust and beautifully built characteristics for which Jeremy Rogers Ltd. is renowned.